Three generations of St. Joseph residents to be in Fiddler on the Roof
Patrick Holleron
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Robidoux Resident Theatre will be presenting “Fiddler on the Roof” this weekend, but with a local twist.
Rex Robinson, his daughter Julie Garey and his grandson Jack will all have roles in the Robidoux Residents’ take on the classic, award-winning tale.
“When he (Jack) decided that he wanted to do theatre last year, that was exciting,” Julie said. “I was the only one in my family who grew up doing that, it’s been fun to share that with him. But it’s been cool to have my dad on the show because I’ve been dancing since I was four. I started doing theatre in middle school, and he’s been in the audience for 30-plus years. It’s been fun to show him what it’s like on the other side.”
With Robinson not having prior theater experience, it has been a learning process; however, it’s one that he cherishes being able to do with his family.
“As a grandparent, you enjoy all the time you spent with your grandkids,” Robinson said. “I was hesitant to get out of my comfort zone and try; I felt like an outsider at first. But I’m glad I did. It was fun for me the first time we went down to the Missouri Theater to have my grandson show me the ropes backstage. It’s been a rewarding experience.”
One of the big things the family has taken away from being in a musical with notable historical significance is how Jack has been able to learn more about events talked about in school classrooms.
“He’s (Jack) seven years old, he doesn’t know what the Holocaust is or anything like that,” Julie said. “A lot of times when we were rehearsing, he’s like, ‘What is happening, I don’t understand.’ I think it’s helping show him what has happened in our past. And how we don’t want history to repeat itself.”
The first show will take place Friday night at the Missouri Theater, located at 717 Edmond Street. Tickets can be purchased by going to rrtstjoe.org.